Abstract Book – 7th PSPRS Conference

Self-transcendent value profiles are linked to higher spirituality and work engagement among nurses

Authors:
Janusz Surzykiewicz, Faculty of Philosophy and Education, Catholic University of Eichstätt-Ingolstadt, Eichstätt, Germany & Faculty of Education, Cardinal Stefan Wyszyński University in Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
Loren L. Toussaint, Department of Psychology, Luther College, Decorah, IA, USA
Elisabeth Riedl, Faculty of Philosophy and Education, Catholic University of Eichstätt-Ingolstadt, Eichstätt, Germany
Jean-Pierre Harder, Faculty of Philosophy and Education, Catholic University of Eichstätt-Ingolstadt, Eichstätt, Germany
Teresa Loichen, Faculty of Philosophy and Education, Catholic University of Eichstätt-Ingolstadt, Eichstätt, Germany
Arndt Büssing, Professorship Quality of Life, Spirituality and Coping, Witten/Herdecke University, Herdecke, Germany
Kathrin Maier, Department of Educational Psychology in Social Work, Catholic University of Applied Sciences Munich, Munich, Germany
Andreas Hillert, Specialist Center for Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, Schön Klinik Roseneck, Prien am Chiemsee, Germany
Marek Kulesza, Faculty of Family Studies, Cardinal Stefan Wyszyński University in Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
Sebastian Binyamin Skalski-Bednarz, Faculty of Philosophy and Education, Catholic University of Eichstätt-Ingolstadt, Eichstätt, Germany & Institute of Psychology, Ignatianum University in Cracow, Cracow, Poland

Abstract ID: 69

Language: English

Presenter Name: Janusz Surzykiewicz

Personal values organize motivation and guide behavior in demanding caregiving professions. According to Schwartz’s theory, basic values cluster into four higher-order dimensions: self-transcendence, self-enhancement, openness to change, and conservation. Contemporary models of well-being distinguish between hedonic aspects, focused on satisfaction and the absence of distress, and eudaimonic aspects, emphasizing meaning, purpose, engagement, and spiritual experience as integral components of functioning. Accordingly, the present study applied latent profile analysis (LPA) to identify value profiles among nurses and examine their associations with spiritual and work-related well-being. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 1,524 German nurses (M_age = 46 years; predominantly female). LPA was applied to the four higher-order value dimensions. The resulting profiles were compared with respect to secular spirituality (GrAw-7), reliance on God’s help (RGH), work engagement (UWES-3), organizational commitment (OCQ), job satisfaction (COPSOQ), burnout (two-item scale; Hillert, 2020), and intention to stay in the profession and the employing organization (Dotson et al., 2014). Three distinct value profiles emerged. Universalists were characterized by strong self-transcendence combined with balanced levels of openness, conservation, and self-enhancement. Selfless–Transcendents displayed high self-transcendence alongside reduced self-enhancement and moderate openness and conservation. Pragmatists showed comparatively low and weakly differentiated value orientations across all domains. Profiles differed significantly in spirituality, reliance on God’s help, work engagement, and organizational commitment. Universalists and Selfless–Transcendents reported more favorable outcomes than Pragmatists, with engagement highest among Universalists and only they showing higher organizational commitment. No profile differences were observed for job satisfaction, burnout, or intention to stay. Nurses’ value orientations form distinct and meaningful profiles that are systematically linked to well-being. Value constellations centered on self-transcendence appear particularly relevant for supporting nurses’ spirituality and fostering engagement, while the integration of self-enhancement motives further strengthens professional commitment and efficacy, highlighting their joint importance for sustaining meaningful and resilient nursing practice.